Daqin arrests alchemists, what does it matter to me as a qi refiner?

Yang Ling replied without hesitation: "Your Majesty, I am willing to follow you. Even if it is a den of dragons and tigers, I will never back down."

"A look of satisfaction flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes, and he immediately led Yang Ling and his elite troops on their journey. The group traveled through mountains and rivers, enduring many hardships, and finally arrived at the small town shrouded in plague."

"The town was deathly silent, filled with the stench of decay. The streets were deserted, with only the occasional groan carried on the wind. The plague had claimed most of the lives, and the survivors remained indoors, making the town seem like a ghost town."

"Ying Zheng led his men cautiously into the town to investigate. They visited the survivors house by house, recorded their symptoms in detail, and collected blood samples for research."

"As the investigation deepened, the situation became far more serious than expected. The 'blood plague' not only spread rapidly, but there was also no cure. Most patients died painfully within a few days, and their corpses became new sources of infection."

"Faced with the critical situation, Ying Zheng knew that there was no time to lose. He immediately ordered people to send the samples back to the capital for top doctors to study, and at the same time personally led Yang Ling into the epidemic area to find a solution."

"Just then, a reclusive alchemist appeared. The old man studied everyone for a moment and slowly said: 'The root of the Blood Plague lies in a rare and deadly poison that is difficult to cure with ordinary medicines. Only the sacred mountain in the north has a 'Lingzhi herb' that may be able to counteract this poison.'"

Ying Zheng and Yang Ling exchanged a glance, knowing that this might be their only hope. However, the sacred mountain was treacherous, and the road ahead was uncertain.

"After careful deliberation, Ying Zheng decided to personally go to the sacred mountain to seek the spiritual herb. Yang Ling resolutely accompanied him."

"The group traversed dense forests, climbed treacherous peaks, and endured countless hardships before finally reaching the foot of the sacred mountain. However, the real test was just beginning. The mountain was riddled with traps and wild beasts, making every step a perilous one."

"During a battle with a ferocious beast, Ying Zheng was accidentally injured and was on the verge of death. Yang Ling rushed to his aid, and he was saved from danger. Ying Zheng sighed, 'I never thought I would lose my life here. I was really careless.'"

Yang Ling comforted him, saying, "Your Majesty is blessed with boundless fortune. Now that we have reached the sacred mountain, the divine herbs are within sight. As long as the ruler and his ministers are of one mind, we will surely succeed."

"After overcoming numerous trials, the group finally discovered the legendary 'Lingzhi Grass' in a cave at the mountaintop. Just as they were about to pick it, a pure white spirit fox suddenly appeared, surrounded by spiritual energy."

The white fox glared at him coldly: "How dare you, a mere mortal, covet my sacred herb?"

Ying Zheng stepped forward and bowed: "Immortal, you are wise. We seek the spiritual herbs only to cure the plague and save the people. We beg you to have mercy on us."

The white fox pondered for a moment: "Since it is to save lives, I can lend it to you. But you must agree to one condition."

“‘Please speak, fairy. I will obey any command.’”

The white fox gazed into the depths of the cave: "My son is seriously injured and can only be healed by the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill. If you can find this pill, I will offer you the spiritual herbs."

Upon hearing the name "Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill," both Ying Zheng and Yang Ling were taken aback. They had seen records of this pill in ancient books, which were rumored to have the effect of bringing the dead back to life, but no one had ever seen its true form.

Ying Zheng took a deep breath, his gaze fixed intently on the White Fox Fairy: "May I ask, Fairy, does the 'Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill' truly exist in this world? Can it cure the calamity of the 'Blood Plague'?"

The White Fox Fairy nodded slightly: "This pill does exist. It condenses the purest life force between heaven and earth, and should theoretically be able to suppress all kinds of epidemics. However, obtaining this pill is extremely difficult, as it is hidden deep within a dangerous and unpredictable secret realm."

A resolute glint flashed in Xu Fu's eyes: "Your Majesty, to cure the plague and save the people, we are willing to go through fire and water!" Ying Zheng nodded solemnly: "In that case, Xu Fu, Pangu, let us embark on another journey to find the medicine. We trouble you, Fairy, to guide us on the way."

Led by the white fox fairy, the three once again embarked on a perilous journey to obtain the elixir. They trekked through vast mountain ranges, crossed turbulent rivers, and endured countless hardships. At times, they encountered ferocious beasts blocking their path, and at other times, they were trapped in complex mazes.

Along the way, the group supported each other and overcame difficulties together. In times of crisis, Ying Zheng always used his extraordinary wisdom to lead the group out of trouble; Xu Fu used his profound knowledge and superb medical skills to provide timely rescue; and Pangu relied on his bravery and divine strength to overcome all obstacles.

Having survived countless near-death experiences, they finally arrived at an ancient ruin forgotten by time. The ruin exuded an ancient and mysterious aura, as if it had been dormant for millennia. The three cautiously entered, finding it filled with ingenious mechanisms and profound formations.

With their wisdom and courage, they gradually overcame the numerous obstacles within the ruins. Finally, in a secret chamber hidden deep underground, they found the legendary "Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill." The pill, as clear as jade and radiating a warm glow, sat quietly on a stone platform, as if waiting for its destined one.

Looking at the elixir before them, all three smiled with relief. All the hardships they had endured along the way had now been worthwhile. With this divine pill, the hope of overcoming the blood plague had finally appeared.

Just as they were about to retrieve the elixir, a strange sound suddenly emanated from the ruins. A towering figure slowly emerged from the darkness, blocking their path…

The colossal beast gradually materialized, and the three immediately focused their attention, preparing for battle. It turned out they weren't the only ones who knew the secrets of the elixir; this guardian beast was the very protector of the pill.

The guardian beast let out a deafening roar, causing the entire ruins to tremble. Its eyes flashed with a fierce light as it stared intently at the three, issuing a stern warning.

Ying Zheng took a deep breath, knowing that this battle was inevitable. But they had no way out; the "Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill" was their only hope to cure the plague.

"Xu Fu and Pan Gu, are you ready?" Ying Zheng asked in a deep voice.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, we are ready to be dispatched at any time!" the two replied in unison.

At Ying Zheng's command, the three launched a simultaneous attack. Pangu charged forward, wielding his giant axe, and engaged in fierce combat with the guardian beast; Xu Fu used his medical and poison skills to constantly disrupt the attack; while Ying Zheng used his exquisite swordsmanship to search for an opening.

The three cooperated seamlessly, their offense and defense well-coordinated, and they fought the guardian beast to a standstill. However, the guardian beast was no ordinary beast, and as time went on, the three gradually felt their strength waning.

In the critical moment, Xu Fu suddenly noticed a fleeting opening in the guardian beast's attack. He urgently warned, "Your Majesty, Brother Pangu, look! There's an opening in the beast's attack!"

Ying Zheng and Pan Gu were greatly encouraged, keeping a close eye on the guardian beast's movements. When it attacked again, it indeed exposed its vital point!
Pangu seized the opportunity to strike the demon beast's vital point, and Ying Zheng followed closely behind, aiming straight for its heart. Xu Fu continued to assist the attack with his medical and poison skills.

Despite the three's combined efforts, the guardian beast finally succumbed, letting out a deafening howl before collapsing to the ground. The crystal-clear "Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill" then rolled away, awaiting its new master.

Having survived this perilous battle, the three looked at each other and smiled, relieved. Their arduous journey had finally paid off; with this miraculous elixir, the end of the epidemic was just around the corner.

They carefully picked up the "Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill" and put it away safely, preparing to return home to treat the people suffering from the plague. (End of Chapter)